SENATOR TERRY GIPSON RESPONDS TO STATE OF THE STATE AND HIGHLIGHTS CUTTING TAXES AND JOB CREATION

ALBANY, NY – New York State Senator Terry Gipson (D-Dutchess, Putnam) today issued the following statement in response to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s State of the State Address:

“I commend Governor Cuomo on his efforts to move New York and the Hudson Valley’s economy forward by creating good jobs and providing widespread tax relief. Specifically, I'm committed to expediting the repeal of the 18A utility tax, which I have fought for since taking office. In addition to Governor Cuomo's proposals today, I have introduced a 3-point legislative package that would deliver unfunded mandate relief to our local governments, which would provide them with the revenue needed to invest in meaningful property tax relief.

SENATOR TERRY GIPSON COMMENDS PSC FOR EXTENDING THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ON TRANSMISSION LINES BY 60 DAYS

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY -- New York State Senator Terry Gipson (D-Dutchess, Putnam) issued the following statement on the Public Service Commission (PSC) extending the public comment period for the suggested transmission line project that would potentially impact the towns of Clinton, Hyde Park, Milan and Pleasant Valley by 60 days, making the new deadline February 21:

It’s hard to believe that my first year of proudly serving as your New York State Senator is drawing to a close. By working together, we have taken steps towards our goal of creating more jobs and reducing the cost of living and doing business in the Hudson Valley.

Since taking the oath of office in January, I’ve met with more than 160 public officials and organizations, attended over 300 community events and spoken with so many of you throughout Dutchess and Putnam Counties.

SENATOR TERRY GIPSON ANNOUNCES LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE TAX RELIEF FOR VETERANS SIGNED INTO LAW

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – New York State Senator Terry Gipson (D-Dutchess, Putnam) today announced that Governor Cuomo has signed into law a bill, S.1199, cosponsored by Senator Gipson, which authorizes school districts to grant veterans an exemption from their school taxes. Governor Cuomo also signed into law a bill, S.4170A, supported by Senator Gipson, which would exempt veterans from the sales and use motor vehicle tax upon returning to New York State and registering a vehicle purchased while on active service in another state.

SENATOR TERRY GIPSON JOINS GOVERNOR CUOMO IN POUGHKEEPSIE TO DELIVER HOLIDAY GIFTS AND COATS TO THE CATHARINE STREET COMMUNITY CENTER

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY -- New York State Senator Terry Gipson (D-Dutchess, Putnam) joined Governor Cuomo today at the Catharine Street Community Center in the City of Poughkeepsie to deliver holiday gifts and coats for children. The Catharine Street Community Center provides services to children and families in the community, especially those faced with difficult economic and social circumstances. Assemblyman Frank Skartados, local officials and community members, also joined Senator Gipson and Governor Cuomo.

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – New York State Senator Terry Gipson (D-Dutchess, Putnam) highlighted his unfunded mandate package as a mechanism for meaningful long-term property tax relief following the most recent Tax Commission report. Senator Gipson has introduced three pieces of legislation that would end future unfunded mandates and deliver immediate relief to counties in an effort to reduce property taxes.

SENATOR TERRY GIPSON’S STATEMENT ON ‘DAY OF ACTION’ FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION IN NEW YORK

“I commend all of those who are advocating for common sense to return to our children’s education: today and everyday. I support the call for a three-year moratorium on Common Core in New York State and I am committed to ensuring sufficient and equitable funding for our public schools.

SENATOR TERRY GIPSON’S STATEMENT ON RIVERKEEPER DOCUMENTS CITING THE USE OF FRACKING WASTE ON NYS ROADS

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – New York State Senator Terry Gipson (D-Dutchess, Putnam) issued the following statement following Riverkeeper’s release of documents stating that multiple municipalities have received approval from New York State to use fracking waste on their roads. Senator Gipson is the prime sponsor of NYS Senate legislation (S.3333) that prohibits fracking wastewater from being used on highways for purposes such as melting ice. Fracking waste contains a variety of chemical and radioactive contaminants that can be potentially harmful to people and the environment.

Highlights impact of mandate relief on investments in infrastructure and tax relief.

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – New York State Senator Terry Gipson (D-Dutchess, Putnam) announced two new pieces of legislation today that would bring counties millions of dollars in mandate relief. Senator Gipson has introduced the County Payment Relief Act (CPR), S.5996, which would provide counties with funding based on population to pay for existing unfunded mandates. He has also introduced legislation, S.6001, which would provide funding for state mandated early intervention services. Additionally, Senator Gipson announced that 10 towns and villages, and Dutchess County, have passed resolutions in support of his constitutional amendment, S.5126, prohibiting New York State from passing down future unfunded mandates.

WAPPINGER FALLS, NY – New York State Senator Terry Gipson (D-Dutchess, Putnam) announced legislation (S5408) that would designate the Wappinger Creek as an inland waterway allowing municipalities along the creek to receive federal dollars for infrastructure improvements. Senator Gipson also delivered a $100,000 grant that he secured through the New York State Economic Development Assistance Program for the construction of sidewalks that connect Wappingers Falls' residents to local businesses on the corner of E. Main and Route 9.

“My thoughts and condolences are with Nancy Montgomery and Jim Lovell’s entire family, as well as all those affected by this tragedy. I am fortunate to have known Jim, and his passing is a great loss to the Philipstown community, Putnam County and the entire Hudson Valley region. He shall be missed.

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY-- New York State Senator Terry Gipson (D-Dutchess, Putnam) issued the following statement calling on the Senate to pass his legislation (S.4764)​ that would restrict standardized testing in grades K-2 and applauded State Education Commissioner John King’s support of this measure:

Providing a quality education for our children has always been a top priority of mine. With this comes a strong personal belief that the strength of our education system cannot be measured by test results alone. The future of job creation and economic growth here in the Hudson Valley lies in the innovative ideas and creativity of our next generation. The next medical advancement or technology boom is not going to emerge from standardized testing or standardized teaching. In fact, history has shown that our greatest innovations come from those who refuse to think in standardized terms. I want to encourage our children to dream big and to use their imaginations to engage in creative problem solving.

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – New York State Senator Terry Gipson (D-Dutchess, Putnam) announced that he has issued an official request to the Public Service Commission (PSC) urging further consideration of all proposals in regards to the suggested transmission line projects that would potentially impact the towns of Clinton, Hyde Park, Milan and Pleasant Valley. Senator Gipson also called for increased public information and outlined his concerns in a letter sent to the PSC on November 12, 2013.

SENATOR GIPSON ANNOUNCES BILL TO REDUCE LAND ASSESSMENT CAP FOR FARMS SIGNED INTO LAW

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – New York State Senator Terry Gipson (D-Dutchess, Putnam) today announced that Governor Cuomo has signed a bill into law that reduces the cap placed on annual agricultural land assessment from ten percent to two percent. Senator Gipson co-sponsored this legislation, which will save farmers thousands of dollars in property tax increases.

SENATOR TERRY GIPSON DELIVERS A $100,000 INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT FOR THE TOWN OF HYDE PARK’S BUSINESS DISTRICT

HYDE PARK, NY -- New York State Senator Terry Gipson (D-Dutchess, Putnam) delivered a $100,000 infrastructure grant that he securedthrough the New York State Economic Development Assistance Program to the Town of Hyde Park. The grant will go towards improvements to their business district. Senator Gipson presented the grant to Town of Hyde Park Supervisor Aileen Rohr, Councilperson Emily Svenson (Ward 1), Councilperson Ken Schneider (Ward 4), Legislator Richard Perkins (CLD-07) and Legislator Sue Serino (CLD-04).

SENATOR GIPSON’S STATEMENT ON COMMON CORE PUBLIC MEETINGS BEING CANCELED

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY -- New York State Senator Terry Gipson (D-Dutchess, Putnam) issued the following statement on the Department of Education's decision to cancel future public meetings on Common Core:

"I'm disappointed that the Department of Education decided to cancel future public meetings on the Common Core Curriculum. Parents and educators should be able to express their concerns and have their questions answered regarding this program that affects their children's education.